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Dr. Igor Tolkachev has applied for the Million Dollar Challenge on behalf of Andrew Matevosov, M.D. (and "The VEDI Association") with a claim of remote diagnosis by photograph.

Matevosov claims the ability to give an in-depth diagnosis without ever seeing an individual in person (he only needs to see a photograph of them. We remain unsure whether or not the photograph has to be recent). Matevosov has already created a diagnosis for Randi, which Tolkachev wants to submit as part of the test. We have declined this request.

Tolkachev wants to skip the preliminary test and head right into the big one - he says a preliminary test is unnecessary. We have declined this request.

Tolkachev has stated in his protocol outline that Matevosov will never have to actually come to a testing facility or see any JREF representatives whatsoever. We have declined this request as well.

The VEDI Association still needs to submit proof of media presence, but we hope they'll respond to the above issues so we can continue working on a protocol in the interim.

He is greatly resisting both the preliminary test, and being tested in controlled, observable conditions at all. Pretty much, he just wants the JREF to send Matevosov some photographs and sit back and wait.

We are still awaiting proof of a media presence to continue negotiations, but have responded to say that there will be a preliminary test whether the Vedi Association wants one or not, and that it will be conducted in front of JREF representatives.

Our requests for media presence are also being denied currently, as Matevosov is apparently located in Moscow, and is communicating through Tolkachev (who is in Brooklyn). However, according to the application information and Tolkachev, the Vedi Association is a charitable organization located in Brooklyn.

We have requested the Vedi Association's tax ID number (after which, they asked for the JREF's, which we have provided) and are awaiting a response on that.

We have also given permission to use news articles printed about the Vedi Association as a whole (rather than Matevosov personally) to gain a media presence if indeed it is a registered charitable organization as they have claimed.

At this point, it is doubtful that a test will occur as Tolkachev has stated repeatedly in correspondence that any travel expenses accrued by the JREF (should we insist on seeing Matevosov in person) will have to be shouldered by the JREF (as they don't want to meet in person, and want to complete the diagnoses remotely, they do not feel that the expenses should be theirs).

All the same, keep an eye out for more information as it promises to be an interesting ride.

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